Depending on how you operate, it's either already 2027 planning time or you're late. Or maybe you don't think about it at all, but my hunch is that if you're here, you do.

First, the reminder:

You don't have all the answers. I don't have all the answers. Our only goal is to take some actions in the direction of whatever we figure out is answer enough to produce the next set of questions.

This year I'm starting like always.

I'll make a big list.

I'll figure out some north stars. I might steal Steve Sanduski's idea (from The Intentional Investor) of a north star plus a continuum (slightly altered from how he puts it, but I like a focal point with a range underneath it for some reason).

Then it's all about reducing to what can actually be done in the year, and what can be improved or focused on.

Because at the end of this process, it's about what we'll say no to in 2027 as much as it's about what we'll say yes to while trucking into the year.

The yesses only get done if the no's protect them. We can't forget that part. (It's as much a reminder to my ADHD brain as it is to my logical brain when I re-read this note in the future.)

Planning the year ahead isn't the most fun process, but this step feels exciting.

Here come the big plans. After 2026, I feel like 2027 is nothing smaller.